South Pacific Travellers World is pleased to announce that effective from 28 June 2018, the business has been sold.

The new owner is Pacific Travel Ltd of Christchurch, a long established and respected inbound operator which has the Scenic Pacific New Zealand Tours brand of FIT products.

The South Pacific Travellers World brand, websites and New Zealand package products will continue as currently presented.

“We are very excited about the opportunities that this sale will bring to SPTW going forward” says Linda Jenkins, Managing Director and Co-Owner.  “Since we created the business in 2001,  New Zealand inbound tourism has experienced many changes.   Now with inbound tourism enjoying an exciting surge of travellers to New Zealand,  South Pacific Travellers World is well positioned to benefit from the increasing number of visitors requiring assistance with their vacation travel arrangements. Under the new stewardship of Pacific Travel Ltd, the South Pacific Travellers World brand will continue to be synonymous with the high touch of customer service it has delivered  to international visitors for the last 17 years”.

Heather Collins, Manager, Pacific Travel Ltd says “Pacific Travel is delighted with the acquisition of South Pacific Travellers World giving us the opportunity to grow and enhance both businesses. The two companies complement each other perfectly. I am personally thrilled to be the primary point of contact at Pacific Travel, and I encourage you to contact me anytime.   We at Pacific Travel wish Linda Jenkins all the very best for her future endeavours.”

Inquiries to:

Linda Jenkins – 021 797 267

linda.jenkins@tourismdevelopment.co.nz

Co-Owner/Managing Director

South Pacific Travellers World

Heather Collins – 027 590 3140

heatherc@scenicpacific.co.nz

Manager

Pacific Travel Ltd

13 June 2018

South Pacific Travellers World Ltd

Ground Floor, Durham Chambers, 307 Durham Street North, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand

P O Box 124, Christchurch 8104, New Zealand – Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am/4.00pm NZ time. Closed weekends and public holidays.

T: +64 3 961 5670  E: manager@southpacifictravellers.co.nz

www.southpacifictravellers.co.nz  www.kiwicombopass.co.nz  www.newzealandsightseeing.co.nz

STATE OF THE ART GONDOLA TO TRANSFORM MT RUAPEHU VISITOR EXPERIENCE

MT RUAPEHU, 15 June 2018:

Mt Ruapehu’s Whakapapa is set to be transformed with a new luxury gondola – one of only two of its design in the world – with the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund assisting with financing of the project.

Fifty gondola cabins will feature floor to ceiling glass for breathtaking views, internal ski racks, wi-fi, audio and lighting and individual leather seats offering business-class luxury to passengers befitting of the UNESCO Dual World Heritage status of Whakapapa Ski Area. Each cabin accommodates 10 passengers and even the tallest skiers will be able to stand upright in the cabin with more than 2m of internal clearance.

Today the project became one step closer to realisation with Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announcing that the Provincial Growth Fund will loan $10 million for the project based on its tourism potential for the central North Island region.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), which operates the Mt Ruapehu ski fields, has welcomed the announcement saying the gondola will transform the mountain into a world-class visitor attraction for skiiers as well as sightseers, and also boost the local economy.

RAL Chief Executive Ross Copland says, “This project will disrupt the traditional flow of visitors throughout the North Island creating a compelling reason to venture off the beaten track deep into the Ruapehu district to experience this world-class attraction and the vibrant communities nearby.”

He says that the economic indicators for the region are compelling with the new gondola expected to contribute $50m per annum of additional visitor expenditure, and an additional 137 full-time jobs in the restaurants, maintenance, sales, retail and transport teams.

“This translates into more people booking accommodation, eating at local restaurants and experiencing local activities creating employment and lifting household incomes.”

Ross adds that the gondola will also attract more high value international tourists and that the number of sightseers is expected to increase from 60,000 currently to 300,000 within a few years of opening.

“The mountain sits within a UNESCO Dual World Heritage Area and its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance is there to be enjoyed by not only skiers and snowboarders, but also walkers and sightseers.”

As a public benefit entity RAL invests its proceeds back into developing the mountain’s facilities and the new gondola forms part of the $100m reinvestment strategy announced by the RAL board in 2015. The $25 million gondola will be the largest and most technically advanced in New Zealand travelling 1.8 km’s through one of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes past waterfalls and snow-laden peaks.

RAL successfully secured a Tourism Growth Partnership grant in 2017 to complete a feasibility study and that work led onto an application being made for economic development funding support for the project in July 2017.

“Our design process involved working closely with Ngati Tuwharetoa and DOC during which time we significantly reduced the number of structures on the mountain, the new installation having less than half of the structures it replaces. We are very pleased to take this opportunity to continue shrinking the presence of infrastructure on the maunga while still meeting the aspirations of visitors to the Tongariro National Park,” Ross says.

mtruapehu.com

Inbound Tourism Operators and key tourism suppliers are heartened that the proposed International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy announced today will be used to improve tourism infrastructure and support conservation.

The Government is consulting on a number of changes and proposals that will affect international visitors travelling to New Zealand of which the proposed levy is one.    The levy will be between $25-$35 which will generate around $57-$80 million per year.  For visitors who require a visa, an extra charge will be added to their visa and those who do not require a visa before travelling to New Zealand will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority and will pay their levy at that time.  The Electronic Travel Authority is also being consulted on and has been designed to streamline the levy collection process.

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) which represents operators who sell New Zealand as a tourism destination in international markets says the majority of its members are supportive of a Levy but only if it was invested back into the industry.

Chief Executive Judy Chen says, a recent member survey indicated tentative support for a Levy of some sort but only if the money went where it is most needed in the industry.

Our members are saying there is much more that needs to be done to improve New Zealand’s tourism offering and any additional funding should go toward enhancing and developing tourism attractions and infrastructure, encouraging visitor dispersal into the regions and looking after our conservation estate. However, Ms Chen warns that any increased cost imposed on visitors to New Zealand will increase the expectations they have.

“The world of tourism is highly competitive and New Zealand is already one of the more expensive destinations.   This means there is an expectation that we will deliver a premium product and more cost on the visitor will increase this expectation.

However, investment in our conservation estate and the tourism experience overall will go some way to deliver the iconic New Zealand holiday that is worth spending a little extra on.  One seamless process of collection at point of entry is also a far better option than numerous and varying targeted rates put in place across the country by local Councils, as we have started to see emerge.

Our members know better than anyone what our international visitors want and the prices they will tolerate before they look elsewhere for a less expensive holiday destination.

New Zealand cannot afford for this government initiative to have a negative effect on New Zealand’s largest industry which provides $14.5 billion in FOREX, $3.3 billion in GST and almost 231,000 jobs across the country.

We look forward to further conversations with the government about how best allocate and implement the fund for best return on investment.”

ENDS

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

For more information please contact:

Rafting New Zealand’s Most popular adventure – the Tongariro Whitewater Grade 3 Rafting Adventure is a New Zealand Must-Do. We rafting this trip every day – once during the Winter and twice during the Summer.

INCLUDES:

• 2 – 2.5 Hours on the River (4 Hours base-to-base)
• All on-river apparel and Rafting Equipment
• Full safety briefing
• 14kms (8miles) of 60+ rapids
• On-River hot chocolate and chocolate snacks
• Solar powered hot showers and heated changing rooms
• River Dog (hot dog) provided for everyone. (Vegetarian Option as well)
• Beer for adults, soda for children

WINTER INCLUDES:

• Tokaanu Hot Pools vouchers to be used any time
• Hot Mulled Wine option for adults

Experience White Water Rafting on the Tongariro River with Grade 3 white water action! When taking part in our Tongariro river rafting adventure you’ll raft over 50 exciting Rapids, travel 14kms, raft through a beautiful volcanic gorge, and fuel up with on-river hot chocolate and snacks. You’ll even get the chance to explore a hidden waterfall (jump optional, weather permitting).

All these features make Tongaririo river rafting our most popular adventure. Afterwards, enjoy a hot solar powered shower before refueling with your complimentary “River Dog” (hot dog) accompanied by a cold beer/soda or hot mulled wine, while viewing your trip photos that capture the thrill of Tongariro white water rafting.

Allow 4 hours base to base – with 2 – 2.5 hours spent on the river.  White Water Rafting on the Tongariro River is achievable for most people and is regarded by many as New Zealand’s must-do half day rafting adventure!

Departs:

• 9am and 2pm Daily (Summer)
• 12 noon Daily (Winter)

Transport:

• Available from Taupo, Turangi, National Park and Ohakune – Call for details

Age Limit: 

• 13+ Years (10+ if accompanied 1:1 by an adult)

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is pleased with the outcome of its recent review with Qualmark. “I believe this process has strengthened our partnership and the team at Qualmark is fully committed to assist all our inbound tour operators to achieve a high standard of service offering” says Judy Chen, CEO of TECNZ.

All TECNZ inbound tour operator members have to complete a Qualmark assessment as part of its annual membership. The association has its own Qualmark inbound tour operator accreditation category that differentiates from non-member inbound tour operators. This also allows a closer partnership with Tourism New Zealand especially when promoting through the travel trade channels.

“New Zealand is one of the few countries that offers a national tourism quality assurance system backed by its key tourism marketing agency. The industry should embrace the value this offers and hopefully by working closely together we will be able to achieve managing our destination and the growth of our international visitors sustainably”.

Gregg Anderson, General Manager of Qualmark comments “from Qualmark’s perspective, we are delighted to be working closely with TECNZ in New Zealand and offshore to encourage the use of quality sustainable tourism businesses. TECNZ is a key partner for Qualmark. Its members handle a large number of international visitors annually and it has a strong influence on the supply chain”.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Judy Chen

027 6644 836

CEO@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

Tourism Bay of Plenty to implement Destination Management after funding boost

Tourism Bay of Plenty will become the first Regional Tourism Organisation in New Zealand outside Auckland to become a Destination Manager, after a 48% boost in Council funding.

The $620,910 increase, approved in Tauranga City Council’s Long Term Plan, brings Tourism Bay of Plenty’s combined annual funding from its three contributing Councils – Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Whakatāne District Council – to $1.9m.

Tourism Bay of Plenty CEO Kristin Dunne says the funding increase puts the organisation at the forefront of the Destination Management movement in New Zealand.

She applauded both the Tourism Bay of Plenty Board of Trustees and Tauranga City Council for their foresight in championing and supporting what was a “sea change” for the tourism industry.

“We are fortunate to have such a progressive and passionate Board and Council’s which recognise the potential this region has and the significant role we play in assisting its development.

“This will enable us to become an insight-lead organisation that knows who our visitors are and what they want – vital information to sustainably champion tourism growth regionally.”

Destination Management, a trend worldwide, is the strategic and sustainable management of visitor-related development, coordinated with residents’ interests, to preserve a region’s unique identity. It brings stakeholders together and provides them with the tools to work collaboratively to meet the demands of growing numbers of visitors.

In essence, it means sharing our love of “our place” with the world to the betterment of the community, not against it, says Ms Dunne.

Tourism Industry Aoetaroa CEO Chris Roberts says of the 31 regional tourism organisations in the country, Tourism Bay of Plenty has had one of the biggest, if not the biggest, funding boosts.

They are also among the first RTOs to make Destination Management a clear priority in their long-term planning, he adds.

“Tourism Bay of Plenty has succeeded in getting the backing of their council funders because they have a great plan and vision, which has been shaped by extensive consultation with local and national stakeholders.”

The boost bucks a funding cut trend, with Tourism New Zealand’s government funding reduced from $117.3m a year to 111.4m in the latest budget, while Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Long Term Plan includes a proposal to cut Hawke’s Bay Tourism funding by $1.8 million over three years.

This means Tourism Bay of Plenty now has the ability to shift the focus of the organisation from not just attracting visitors to the Coastal Bay of Plenty (which stretches from Waihi Beach to the Whirinaki Forest) but to better manage their experience once they get here.

“With the additional funding we will be able to implement our Visitor Economy Strategy 2018 – 2028, growing tourism in a way that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.”

Visitors spent a record $1 billion in the Coastal Bay of Plenty last year – a milestone that was originally not forecast to occur for another 12 years. This figure is expected to grow to $1.45 billion by 2028.

“A thriving visitor economy that is well planned and managed will bring with it greater social amenities and higher living standards. In short, we all stand to benefit,” says Ms Dunne.

Regional Tourism New Zealand Executive Officer Charlie Ives commended Tauranga City Council for signalling its long-term commitment to tourism in the Bay of Plenty.

“It is important that regions anticipate the pressure of tourism before it’s too late. We are already seeing early indicators in some areas, such as overcrowding and a lack of accommodation. These are warnings of the impact tourism can have on us if we don’t have a planned, developed and managed approach,” says Mr Ives.

“Destination Management is undoubtedly the way forward, and we will be watching Tourism Bay of Plenty’s progress with interest.”

– ENDS –

For more information, interviews or images, please contact:

Julia Proverbs, Blink Public Relations & Marketing

NEW ZEALAND INBOUND TOUR OPERATOR ACQUIRES SPECIALIST AGRICULTURAL TOUR OPERATOR BUSINESS

Travel Time South Pacific announced that it has acquired AgriTravel International, a Waikato-based company which creates customised agricultural and special interest tours across New Zealand.

The purchase will strengthen Travel Time South Pacific’s inbound tour operator business and enable an even broader range of specialised product offerings for their international clientele.

The purchase of the specialist agricultural tour operator fits into Travel Time South Pacific’s growth and expansion strategies and will enable them to offer specialised agricultural tours both domestically and to the growing number of international clients seeking to visit one of the world’s most progressive agricultural nations.

“Our acquisition of AgriTravel International complements our overall tailor-made travel offerings so we can now provide a stronger focus on these much specialised agricultural tour itineraries and agri-biz programmes.” said Scott Mehrtens, Managing Director of Travel Time South Pacific.

“This investment adds to our capacity, geographic presence and enables us to support increasing numbers of requests from leisure and corporate sectors asking to include visits to our world-leading facilities, farms and companies that specialise in agricultural technologies and food production.” Karen Baldwin, who has been managing AgriTravel International for the last five years, will be joining the Travel Time South Pacific team with immediate effect. Karen said she was excited to be joining forces with an outstanding and experienced family-business that would strive to ensure the needs of all AgriTravel clients were a top priority, now and going forwards. Karen said, “AgriTravel will continue to work with its valued suppliers to offer creative tour programmes for our existing clients and new markets keen to meet the people and businesses that shape the agricultural sector in New Zealand.”
“It’s very exciting to be working with such a large team of experienced and passionate travel professionals at Travel Time South Pacific. Our priority will continue to be the creation and delivery of inspiring travel experiences to all our clients. ”

About AgriTravel International AgriTravel International is an experienced New Zealand based agricultural tour operator, planning and managing agricultural farm and technical tours, and business study tours throughout New Zealand. The company was set up over 25 years ago and has been managed by current owner Mrs Karen Baldwin since 2013. The business has strived to provide access to the country’s best agri-businesses, consultants, farms, universities and more, while combining technical programmes with leisure and New Zealand’s great sightseeing and natural attractions.

About Travel Time South Pacific Travel Time South Pacific are based in Hamilton, New Zealand and, along with their family-owned coach charter business run under the brand of Leisure Time Tours, have been operating for over 30 years. Time South Pacific are an Inbound Tour Operator and Destination Management Company offering a one-stop-shop to their global client base; creating and delivering tailor-made travel experiences across the group, independent travel, and M.I.C.E. markets. The company’s customers include international wholesalers, travel agents, and their clients – with a large majority of business in Western Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

For more information visit: www.traveltime.co.nz www.leisuretimetours.co.nz www.agritravel.co.nz

Media Contact: Vicki Annison Marketing Manager Travel Time South Pacific 231 Kahikatea Drive, PO Box 6, Hamilton, 3242 +64 7 849 3493 vicki @lttnz.co.nz

The Rees Hotel Queenstown is a sophisticated five-star hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, in the South Island of New Zealand.

The Rees offers a variety of spacious and luxurious accommodation options including 60 Hotel rooms, 90 Apartments and five private, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Lakeside Residences, all with terraces, showcasing spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu to the alpine panorama of the Remarkable Mountain range.

The many exceptional features at The Rees Hotel include a library of rare books and art, courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown town centre, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, movies and local telephone calls, conference rooms, a fully-equipped gymnasium, secure undercover parking, electric car-charging station and its own private beach and wharf accessing jet-boat and water taxi services. Guests can swim from our wharf or beach – but it’s not for the faint-hearted!

Our team of experienced local and international staff pride themselves on delivering professional friendly service that consistently exceeds our guests’ expectations and is a hallmark of The Rees Hotel’s reputation.

Quiet, private and sophisticated, The Rees Hotel Queenstown epitomises southern hospitality at its finest and an authentic New Zealand experience.

SUCCESSFUL CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO MARTINBOROUGH THIS SPRING

 The successful Chamber Music Festival will return to Martinborough for its second year this September featuring a who’s who of the country’s top musicians performing pieces that span three centuries.

The Martinborough Music Festival, to be held from Friday, 28 September to Sunday, 30 September, will see six incredible musicians play four concerts in three days. Bach’s Cello Suite No 3 in C Major, the oldest piece of music composed in the 18^th Century, through to Gareth Farr’s String Quarter No 2 Mondo Rondo, the most recently composed piece of music, will be performed.

Wilma Smith, founder of the NZ String Quartet and subsequently the NZSO’s and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster, will lead a string quartet with Amalia Hall (violin) from Orchestra Wellington, Chris Moore (viola) from the Melbourne Symphony and two-time winner of the National Concerto Competition and Mattias Balzat (cello), previously described as a “teenage prodigy”.

 Diedre Irons, ONZM, will perform on the beautiful Schimmel grand piano bequeathed to the Martinborough community by the late Cherry van Kranen, while “one of New Zealand’s finest music exports”, clarinettist Mark Walton will be a huge drawcard.

“After making such a successful debut on to the events scene in 2017, we are delighted to stage the Martinborough Music Festival again this spring and are proud to announce such an incredible line up of performers who underpin the quality of this festival,” says festival spokesperson Edward Allen.

“They will perform four concerts in three days including Beethoven, Brahms and Bach but also some Mozart, César Franck, Schumann and Darius Milhaud. This year there will be a very special local connection with Gareth Farr’s String Quartet No 2 ‘Mondo Rondo’ being performed.”

Another highlight leading into the Festival will be when Mark Walton, recognised for his work in music education with an Order of Australia, holds music workshops at Wairarapa College, Kuranui College and Martinborough School.  Brendan says Mark’s workshops are always popular and his mission is “to get everyone in the world playing a musical instrument” as Mark believes it makes life so enjoyable.

Early bird tickets for the 2018 Martinborough Music Festival are on sale now, with sale opening up to the public on July 1^st. For more information visit www.martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz.

….more

Programme: The 2018 Martinborough Music Festival

FRIDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

7.30PM

Beethoven – Cello Sonata in C Major

Cesar Franck – Violin Sonata in A Major

Brahms – B Major Piano Trio No 1, Op 8

SATURDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

2.00PM

Beethoven – String Trio in C Minor

Gareth Farr – String Quartet No 2 ‘Mondo Rondo’

Brahms – Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op 115

SATURDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER

7.30PM

Schubert – Quartettsatz, D 703

Mozart – Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K 581

Schumann – Piano Quintet in Eb Major, Op 44

SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

2.00PM

Bach – Cello Suite No 3 in C Major

Darius Milhaud – Suite for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano, Op 157b

Brahms – Piano Quartet in C Minor, Op 60

ENDS
For more information please contact:

Brendan Smyth

Phone:  (021) 434 161

Email:  jellybrats@gmail.com

Web:  www.martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz

Introducing SKYCITY’s new Horizon Hotel

SKYCITY Entertainment Group today unveiled the name of its third Auckland hotel, Horizon Hotel, currently being built alongside the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC).

The five-star Horizon Hotel will open in late 2019, bringing 303 new high-end rooms to the city centre, uniquely connected via an air bridge over Hobson Street to three city centre blocks across the NZICC and SKYCITY Auckland’s entertainment precinct. It will also be located directly above a new retail and dining laneway that will connect Nelson and Hobson Streets, and will be a stone’s throw away from the award-winning Federal Street dining precinct and the iconic Sky Tower.

Brad Burnett, General Manager of SKYCITY Hotels and Tower, says Horizon Hotel will play an integral role in meeting the demand for room nights in Auckland, and already has bookings for 2020 in line with major conference bookings at the NZICC.

“With such a buoyant tourism market and a huge pipeline of events coming to Auckland, including the opening of the NZICC, Horizon Hotel is well positioned to play an important role in supporting the city’s growth. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of that and we can’t wait to welcome both local and international visitors to Horizon Hotel.

“Along with its physical connection to the NZICC, the name ‘Horizon Hotel’ connects our guests to the purpose of their stay, as many of them will be here to expand their horizons through the knowledge and connections made during their conference,” says Mr Burnett.

Architect Gordon Moller, who designed the hotel in association with Warren & Mahoney, agrees saying: “the design of the hotel emanated from the opportunity to expand the horizons of the site by curving the building to maximise the views from all guest rooms.

“Together with this, the enhanced light experience when perceiving a horizon is represented in the extraordinary curved glass facades of the hotel that feature 300 glass fins that capture light in a crystalline way, enhanced by the clear marine light of the Auckland isthmus.

“The interiors of Horizon Hotel continue this theme with grand public spaces featuring natural stones, marbles and timbers, with the horizon-like curves of the guest room environments creating a unique and special experience.”

Horizon Hotel will feature floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the spectacular views out to the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour and over central Auckland, and modern rooms designed with New Zealand inspired materials and colours. Guests will enjoy outstanding facilities and state-of-the-art technology, including a gym, keyless entry and its own signature restaurant, lobby bar and cafe, and relaxing internal courtyard.

Each room will be approximately 32sqm, with both standard rooms and suites available, with all suites offering interconnecting twin rooms.

While conference group bookings have already been made for 2020, Horizon Hotel will not open for bookings until late 2018, with an opening date of late 2019.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Rebecca Foote

Senior Communications Advisor
SKYCITY Entertainment Group
M: 021 389 150

E: Rebecca.foote@skycity.co.nz